[Dutton]

If something is spec, then it decreases appeal for this spectator. It isn't a factor that would make me not watch something, but it can easily make the difference between me having a "fanatic" type interest as compared to "interested-enough-to-tune-in-for-the-races".

This distinction means the difference between 100%-certainly-seeing-every-event (combined with close following of the out-of-race details) and seeing-the-vast-majority-of-events (combined with far less intense following of the the out-of-race details). If my TV was hooked up to one of these viewing-habit gizmos, then spec or not would likely have minimal impact on my addition to viewing figures. There would, however, be a significant difference in my dedication (my long-term consumer stability, or something).